How to Remove Instant Pot Smell

Why the Instant Pot Develops Strong Smells

The Instant Pot's pressure cooking environment is extremely effective at infusing flavors — which means it's also extremely effective at infusing smells into every component it touches. The silicone sealing ring is the primary odor absorber, but the inner pot, the lid, the steam release valve, and the anti-block shield all accumulate food odors over time. Curry, garlic, fish, and other pungent ingredients can make the entire appliance smell strongly even after washing.

Identify Where the Smell Is Coming From

• Sealing ring: The most common source. Remove it and smell it directly.
• Inner pot: Smell the stainless steel pot after washing.
• Lid and steam release area: Smell the underside of the lid and around the steam release valve.
• Anti-block shield: The small shield under the lid that prevents food from blocking the steam release.

What You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon
• Dish soap
• Soft brush or toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth

White vinegar is the most effective natural deodorizer for all Instant Pot components. Baking soda neutralizes acidic odor compounds. For persistent sealing ring odors, a replacement sealing ring is the most practical long-term solution.

Method 1: Vinegar and Lemon Steam Cycle (Most Effective)

Step 1: Add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and the juice and peels of 1 lemon to the inner pot.

Step 2: Secure the lid with the sealing ring installed. Set the steam release to sealing.

Step 3: Run a Steam cycle for 2–3 minutes at high pressure.

Step 4: Allow to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully open the steam release valve.

Step 5: Open the lid and allow everything to cool. Remove the sealing ring and allow it to air dry completely.

The vinegar and lemon steam penetrates the sealing ring, lid components, and steam release valve, neutralizing odor compounds throughout the entire system.

Method 2: Baking Soda Soak (Inner Pot)

Fill the inner pot with warm water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Soak for 30–60 minutes, scrub with a soft sponge, rinse, and dry. The inner pot is also fully dishwasher-safe.

Method 3: Sealing Ring Treatments

• Vinegar soak: Submerge in undiluted white vinegar for 30–60 minutes. Rinse and air dry.
• Sunlight treatment: After washing, place in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours. UV light is highly effective at deodorizing silicone.
• Baking soda paste: Apply paste, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, rinse, follow with vinegar soak.
• Replace the ring: If odors persist despite all treatments, replacement is the most practical solution.

Method 4: Clean the Steam Release Valve and Anti-Block Shield

Remove the steam release valve by pulling it straight up. Remove the anti-block shield by pushing it sideways. Wash both in warm soapy water with a toothbrush, rinse, and dry before replacing. Both are dishwasher-safe.

Method 5: Clean the Lid Groove

Wipe the underside of the lid with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Use a toothbrush to scrub the sealing ring groove. Wipe clean and dry thoroughly.

Preventing Instant Pot Smell

• Remove the sealing ring after every use and allow to air dry completely before storing.
• Store the Instant Pot with the lid upside down on the pot to allow air circulation.
• Use two sealing rings — one for savory, one for sweet dishes.
• Run a vinegar steam cycle monthly as preventive maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot smell is almost always a sealing ring problem. The vinegar and lemon steam cycle is the most effective single treatment — it deodorizes every component simultaneously. For persistent sealing ring odors, sunlight treatment and replacement are your best options. Store with the lid off and the ring removed and the smell won't return.